A CHILDREN’S charity has issued a plea for more foster carers after figures show there’s not enough to home children currently in care.
Barnardo’s Scotland has pointed to research by The Fostering Network that reveals the number of foster families required to provide a home for children in care currently stands at 500.
The charity is calling for more people to consider becoming a foster parents to help provide children and young people in Scotland a home.
Carole Duffy, 59, who lives in East Kilbride, became a foster carer for Barnardo’s in 2009.
“When you are a foster carer, to see even the little things can make such a big difference,” said Duffy
“To see the children relax, to laugh and to see their confidence grow is special and it’s all about making them the best that they can be.
“I have been very lucky to maintain a relationship with all of my previous foster children.”
Carole has five birth children, two stepchildren and nine grandchildren of her own, has fostered ten children and provided respite for 30 more.
“I have always had great support and training from Barnardo’s over the years, and if I need them, there is always someone at the end of the phone,” said Duffy.
“My advice to new carers is to remember that all children are individuals and different, they all come with their own circumstances.
“Much of the role of a foster carer is trial and error to see what works, but establishing routines and boundaries from day one helps them feel safe.
“It’s important to have a good support network around you, so link in with your social worker and other carers for advice, or for them just to be a sounding board. It’s good to talk.”
Barnardo’s have been rehoming children with families for more than 80 years.
The Promise is a key tenant of charity’s work as they aim to ensure care-experienced young people and children in Scotland grow up safe.
The charity says those looking to foster will be supported with a child-and-carer matching process, as well as out-of-hours advice and a support line service provided by the social work team.
The charity run support groups and family social events along with a high level of professional training and development.
Martin Crewe, director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “Fostering in Scotland is in crisis as the numbers of people registered to foster continues to fall year on year.
“A shortage of foster carers leaves hundreds of children without a safe and loving home, and that is something we are keen to address.
“We strongly believe that any loving person can make a wonderful foster parent to a child in need.
“We offer support and training every step of the way and, on average, fostering fees and an allowance of £495 per week, per child is available.”
All foster carers receive a daily allowance which is designed to cover the cost of caring for a fostered child.
This is intended to cover the expenses incurred when looking after a child and/or young person, including household costs.
For more information on becoming a foster carer with Barnardo’s in Scotland, please visit www.barnardos.org.uk/foster or call 0800 0277 280.
The charity’s lines are open from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.
In the past year, Barnardo’s provided essential support to more than 11,500 children, young people, parents and carers in Scotland.
To donate, volunteer or fundraise, please visit www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money.
